Brunel University MA Digital Games: Dissertation
International Game Developers Association
Table of contents |
[edit] Teachers
[edit] Module Leader
[edit] Additional Tutors
[edit] Course Background Information
[edit] Location
Brunel University
[edit] Classification
Graduate level
[edit] Course Description
Date syllabus written or revised: January 2006
[edit] MAIN AIMS OF THE MODULE
- To enable students to undertake a substantial independent investigation of a topic, issue or conceptual design project agreed with the module leader;
- To produce written dissertations that are supported by evidence, are scholarly, that present a high level of independent learning and an original contribution to knowledge in the chosen area;
- Enable students to demonstrate their abilities to plan and design a major dissertation project (either as a practical project, with a written component, or as a written dissertation);
- To facilitate students’ ability to carry out research, gather and analyse appropriate information, communicate their ideas and critically evaluate the success of their project;
- To encourage the development of creative approaches and solutions to issues arising out of the dissertation.
[edit] LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THE MODULE
The module provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
(A) Knowledge and Understanding
- of the relationships between design issues and gameplay experience
- of the contextual and socio-cultural issues arising from game design (including the broader values carried by the design of games)
- of the theoretical frameworks used in the analysis of game design
- of the processes involved in research, planning and execution of a Master’s level dissertation
(B) Cognitive (thinking) Skills
- organise and interpret research materials to produce a focused dissertation
- use independent judgement to appraise research materials and show a sophisticated and theoretical informed analytical approach
- appraise the principles and values of game design in critical and evaluative terms.
(C) Other Skills and Attributes (Practical/Professional/Transferable)
- be able to work effectively in an independent and self-motivated manner;
- be able to communicate ideas effectively and clearly in oral and written form;
- plan and time-manage effectively a large dissertation project.
[edit] MAIN TOPICS OF STUDY:
These will depend on the type of dissertation chosen.
[edit] TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS/STRATEGIES USED TO ENABLE THE ACHIEVEMENT OF LEARNING OUTCOMES:
These might include lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals, workshops, laboratories, distance learning, projects or other methods (please specify).
- Introductory lectures will set out the terms and requirements of the dissertation;
- Tutorials provide students with feedback on their progress and quality of work;
- Workshops provide opportunity to share problems with peers
- Seminars will be used to present work orally for assessment.
The University expects student learning hours to be a notional 10 hours per credit awarded (ie a 20 credit module would involve notional learning time of 200 hours) including taught classes, private study, revision and assessment. The University does not provide guidelines on the minimum number of contact hours per module because patterns of study, including the ratio of contact hours to self-study hours, are likely to vary across levels as learner autonomy increases.
Please indicate below the distribution of learning hours across this module:
20 hours tutorials, workshops, seminars and lectures,
300 hours private study,
280 hours assessment preparation.
| ASSESSMENT METHODS WHICH ENABLE STUDENT TO DEMONSTRATE THE LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THE MODULE | WEIGHTING |
| either 12,000-18,000 words or 8,000 words with practical component – delivered in either digital format or as a design document | 80% |
| 1 x plan | 10% |
| 1 x oral presentation | 10% |
[edit] INDICATIVE READING LIST:
As appears on the other module proformas.
The following information is optional: CORE module on the following programmes (please list):
- MA Digital Games: Theory and Design
OPTION module on the following programmes (please list):
- n/a
